Wednesday 15 June 2011

Review: Dead Reckoning by Charlaine Harris

This book answered a bunch of questions but left me asking even more.



Having read the entire series back-to-back over a few weeks last year, I'd been super excited about the release of the next Sookie Stackhouse book. But sadly, while it satisfied me to some extent, I can't help feeling a bit... disappointed.

Dead Reckoning follows Sookie's continuing (mis)adventures as she deals with her complex relationship with the (hot hot hot) vampire Eric, a rough patch at work, her newly-found fairy family living in her house, and more than a few crazy creatures out to get her. The thing is, none of this is particularly new; it's just variations on what's happened in previous books, and I have to admit I'm getting a bit over it. Of course, I lurved anything involving Eric, and found his part of the storyline gripping, but was unimpressed by how little it progressed and how some major issues were left hanging (obviously setting up the story for yet another book in the series). I find the whole fairy plot kind of dull, and paradoxically was frustrated by how much of the story it took up and also how much was left unresolved (again). Yes, Sookie got some answers, but most of those seemed unimportant compared to what wasn't answered.

Don't get me wrong, I did enjoy the book while I was reading it, but after I finished I kind of felt like, "Was that it?!" Although a couple of big things happened towards the end, the majority if the book moved quite slowly (for instance, I was shocked when I realised I was a third of the way through - it felt like all Sookie had done was clean her house and go to work!) and overall it seems to have been more of a set up for the next book than a story within itself.

Rating: 3/5

Spoilery Talking Points
  • I really, really hope Sookie doesn't leave Eric and get back with Bill, as the end seemed to hint at. I might just give up on the series if she does. I hate Bill, especially in the books.
  • I'm so disappointed with the way Alcide's character has gone - he could have been a serious contender when he was first introduced, but now he's just such a tool box.
  • I felt so sad for Pam! I also wanted to see more of her AND Eric. 
  • Was it just me, or were the two big showdowns at the end kind of anti-climatic? Sure, they were pretty violent (especially the assassination of Victor), but it almost seemed too easy for Sookie's side. I mean, they only had one casualty, and yet completely wiped out the other side?! I know they're the good guys and all, but it to me it was a bit too much of a Meyer-style cop out.
  • Did I mention I'm over the fairies? It doesn't look like they're going anywhere anytime soon, though. 
  • After making a big thing about the portal being too small for anyone to travel through, it seemed dumb that they were able to dump a body - even a "small" one - in there.
  • As for the cluviel dor, I predict Sookie will use it to get Eric out of his marriage to the Queen of Oklahoma. At least, I hope she does that - and DOESN'T get back with Bill. The thought also crossed my mind that she could maybe turn Eric into a human... but that's probably pretty implausible.
Eye Candy
As a massive True Blood fan (it's the main reason I read the books in the first place), I pretty much pictured the entire cast as their characters. That's coz I think, for the most part, the casting is spot-on - especially for the guys.

Sookie and her harem

A shirtless Eric, just coz

I love this pic of Jason - it sums up his character perfectly

How awesome is Pam?! I love her
 
Sure, Alcide is an a-hole in this book, but that doesn't mean we can't perve

11 comments:

  1. This series is very popular with the people in our used bookshop, but I have read similar reviews of this new one as being somewhat lacking. Hopefully, the series will get back on track with the next one.

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  2. Hm. That's how I felt about the book before this one so I haven't picked this one up yet. I of course love everything about the Eric storyline, but I've gotten a bit over everything else. I'm hoping the last couple books are going to be amazing like the beginning of the series was! Fabulous review Belle:)

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  3. OMG! Shirtless pics. I'm swooning here. Me like.

    I so need to catch up on this series.

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  4. I don't know why, but I still haven't read the first book!!

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  5. @TheBookGirl - I looked at Goodreads after I wrote my review and there seemed to be a lot of people with similar opinions. I really hope it gets on track - and sadly, ends - soon.

    @Jenny - Thanks so much! I know, I kinda wish it'd just get back to focusing on the vamps, like the first couple of books. There's too much going on! I'm hoping it will go out with a bang!

    @Melissa - Glad to assist in any swoonage! ;)

    @Nina - It's a fun series, although getting a bit repetitive. If you're a fan of True Blood I'd definitely recommend it, but I actually prefer the show to the books.

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  6. Okay, yes! Belle, I started reading this book back in May, but put it down because I got so freaking bored! I kept thinking, why the heck am I reading about Sookie cleaning her house! Agh!

    I skipped over the spoilers for now, because I plan to pick up the book again, maybe not soon but eventually. Still, I'm with you on the feeling disappointed front.

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  7. Yeah it gets better after the first random cleaning house part, but still not great. I really hope the next one(s) are amazing, it would be a shame to end the series on a low point.

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  8. I liked this one pretty well, but I wasn't a fan of the one before it. Like you, I am not so excited about the fairy storyline...I'm not sure why it doesn't appeal to me. However, I gotta say I am more Team Bill than Team Eric, but really I wish she'd get together with Sam!

    I totally agree with you about Alcide too...it seemed like he would make such a good boyfriend when he was first introduced, but then he was dismissed before they even got anything going...kind of disappointing!

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  9. I liked Bill at first, but after the whole car boot thing... I was totally turned off him. And Eric is just so much more fun - well, he was, before the last couple of books. I'm really against her and Sam getting together personally, but I guess he'd be good for Sookie. He just does nothing for me ;)

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  10. I'm getting to this point with the series too...just kind of over it. I've also stopped watching True Blood. Although I love your caption on that pic, "Sookie and her harem"! But we'll see what the last book brings. Hopefully it'll be awesome!

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    1. I still watch True Blood but I'm nowhere near as addicted as I used to be. I didn't rush out to get the new book either - I was actually just given it the other day. I will read it soon, but I don't have high hopes.

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